PHL embassy in Kuwait coordinating with Kuwaiti police on death of Filipina HSW—DFA

PHL embassy in Kuwait coordinating with Kuwaiti police on death of Filipina HSW—DFA (Pixabay photo)

MANILA—The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has instructed the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait to closely coordinate with the police regarding the death of another Filipina household service worker (HSW) who was allegedly severely beaten by her employers.

Amy Capulong Santiago suffered severe beating mostly in the back. She died while being treated at Farwaniya Hospital on January 25, 2017.

“Our Embassy is working closely with Kuwaiti Police in investigation and eventual prosecution of suspect,” DFA spokesman and Assistant Secretary Charles Jose said in a text message.

Police have arrested Santiago’s male employer, while his wife surrendered at the Abdullah Al Mubarak Police Station. Both are detained and undergoing investigation by authorities to determine if there was foul play in the death of HSW.

The incident happened hours after Jakatia Pawa was hanged by Kuwaiti authorities. She was accused of killing the daughter of her employer. Pawa denied the accusation as she claimed that it was her lady employer who killed her own daughter after she caught her in the act of having sex with her boyfriend inside their house.

Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre Bello III immediately instructed Labor Attaché Angelita Narvaez to closely monitor the case of Santiago.

He also directed the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to release PHP200,000 death insurance and PHP20,000 burial assistance to Santiago’s family.

The OWWA will give Santiago’s dependents educational benefits and livelihood assistance.

The agency will also shoulder the cost of repatriating Santiago’s remains.